Metaphysics Religion SAC responses

Answers from the Metaphysics Religion Exemplar SAC.

QUESTION 1

Explain the key differences between the Ontological, Cosmological and Teleological arguments for the existence of God. (3 marks)

You should include:

·      what each argument assumes about God

·      the kind of reasoning each argument uses

·      one key concept associated with each argument

The Ontological Argument, most famously developed by Anselm of Canterbury, attempts to establish God's existence through reason alone. Using a priori reasoning, Anselm defines God as "that than which nothing greater can be conceived." Because existence in reality is greater than existence merely in the mind, Anselm argues that God must necessarily exist. The central concept underpinning this argument is necessary existence.

In contrast, Aquinas's Cosmological Argument relies on a posteriori reasoning drawn from observation of the natural world. Aquinas argues that everything which exists has a cause and that an infinite regress of causes is impossible. Therefore, there must ultimately be a First Cause or Unmoved Mover that itself requires no cause. Unlike Anselm, Aquinas does not attempt to prove God through definition but through causation.

Similarly, the Teleological Argument relies on observation rather than pure reason. However, instead of focusing on causation, it focuses on evidence of order, complexity and apparent purpose within the universe. Supporters argue that the fine-tuning of physical laws and the complexity of life suggest the existence of an intelligent designer. Thus, while the Cosmological Argument infers God from causation and the Ontological Argument infers God from logic, the Teleological Argument infers God from design.

QUESTION 2

Explain the key differences between the Moral Argument, the Problem of Evil and Scientific Challenges to the existence of God. (3 marks)

The Moral Argument against God claims that morality does not require a divine source. Bertrand Russell argues that human beings are capable of moral autonomy and can determine right and wrong independently of religious authority. Consequently, the existence of morality does not necessarily support belief in God.

The Problem of Evil presents a different challenge. Rather than focusing on morality itself, it questions whether the existence of intense suffering is compatible with an omnipotent and benevolent God. If God possesses both unlimited power and perfect goodness, then the existence of apparently gratuitous suffering becomes difficult to explain.

Scientific challenges, most notably associated with Richard Dawkins, argue that natural processes provide sufficient explanations for phenomena previously attributed to God. Evolution by natural selection, for example, explains the appearance of design without requiring an intelligent designer. As a result, God becomes an unnecessary explanatory hypothesis rather than a necessary explanation.

QUESTION 3

Choose one philosopher you disagree with and interpret a quote that expresses their position, evaluating their reasoning as you do so. (2 marks) ANSLEM.

There are two separate tasks here.

·      Interpret - Explain what the philosopher means.

·      Evaluate - Judge whether the reasoning is convincing.

"God is that than which nothing greater can be conceived."

Anselm argues that God is the greatest possible being that can be imagined. Because a being that exists in reality would be greater than one existing only as an idea, Anselm concludes that God's existence is logically necessary. In this sense, God's existence follows from the very concept of divine perfection.

However, this argument is ultimately unconvincing because it appears to assume what it is attempting to prove. Kant later argued that existence is not a property that makes something greater in the same way that intelligence or power might. Instead, existence merely indicates that something is instantiated in reality. Consequently, Anselm's conclusion seems to be hidden within his opening premise, making the argument circular rather than demonstrative.

QUESTION 4

Choose one philosopher you feel you closely align with and interpret a quote that expresses their position, evaluating their reasoning as you do so. (2 marks)

There are two separate tasks here.

·      Interpret - Explain what the philosopher means.

·      Evaluate - Judge whether the reasoning is convincing.

"The world, we are told, was created by a God who is both good and omnipotent."

Russell is questioning whether the traditional conception of God is logically coherent. He argues that if God possesses unlimited power and perfect goodness, then the existence of widespread suffering becomes difficult to explain. The quote therefore reflects Russell's broader rejection of traditional theism and his belief that the Problem of Evil creates a serious challenge for belief in God.

I find Russell's reasoning persuasive because it focuses on a genuine contradiction within many religious accounts of God. Rather than simply denying God's existence, Russell challenges believers to explain how suffering can coexist with divine goodness and omnipotence. This makes his argument both logically powerful and philosophically significant.